'TRUE VOLUNTEER'

She helped start an annual back-to-school health clinic for children at a migrant camp west of Delray Beach.

But it wasn't enough. So she helped create an ongoing adopt-a-family program to supply children there with school items, and families with food and clothing.

It still wasn't enough. Then she helped establish a preschool there to give the children a head start on their education. She volunteers there regularly. Each time she arrives, she wonders.

Will it ever be enough?

But then she remembers why she goes to "In The Pines" camp at all: 'It's where my heart is," said Jackie Slatkow, 40, of Boca Raton. It makes her a woman of achievement. In recognition for her work, Slatkow has received awards from the Junior League, the Redlands Christian Migrant Association, and the Office of the Governor of Florida.

Slatkow is a "true volunteer," said Jane Malfitano, Junior League chapter president. "She gives her time and energy to make sure the migrant farm children are cared for. She has chosen projects and programs that have made a difference in people's lives."

In turn, being a member of the Junior League has made a difference in her life, Slatkow said. "It's been a great thing for me," she said. "Through the Junior League, I've been pushed to areas of achievement I never dreamed I could do."For example, Slatkow not only helped create the health fair, adopt-a-family program and preschool, but she also sits on the Junior League's migrant committee, and serves on the board of directors for the migrant association, which serves more than 5,000 children across the state.

"I feel honored to be on that board," she said. "What the [association) does for the children every day is incredible."

What she does for local children every day is equally as incredible, said Donna Goray, who has known Slatkow for seven years and sits with her on the migrant association's board. Slatkow was "terrific" at helping create the preschool, Goray said. "She took the bull by the horns," Goray said. "She researched the rules and regulations for setting up a preschool program and she still spends lot of time with the children."

Slatkow said she inherits her interest in volunteerism from her parents. Her mother worked with cancer patients and promoted environmental causes, while her father was active on the national Muscular Dystophy Foundation.

"Volunteerism is something my family has always been involved with," Slatkow said. She squeezes her volunteer work in-between her job - she owns a public relations firm called The Write Stuff - and caring for her family - husband, Andrew, and two children, Matthew, 9, and Stephanie, 12.

"I feel like the man who has the plates spinning on sticks. I juggle here and juggle there. That's my life," Slatkow said. "Sometimes, I think I should put things off until my children are older, but I'm glad I am involved."